Gov. Joseph Marañon and business tycoon Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco met yesterday to try to settle disputes between some United Negros Alliance-Nationalist People's Coalition members to prevent them from running against each other.

Cojuangco is chairman emeritus of NPC and a founder of UNA.

"As a party we would like to make our members feel that we are concerned for them," the governor said. "So, instead of their fighting against each other in the May elections, arrangements to avoid such situations would be better," Marañon added.

I'm ready for
anything: Bing
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Don't let petty politics stop government center, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia appeals

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said it doesn't matter who or how many are running against him in the May elections since he is ready for any scenario.

This was his reaction when asked for comments on the possible withdrawal of Transports and Communication Assistant Secretary Ricardo Tan from the mayoralty race after he was offered a new position by the President. This leaves Leonardia running one-on-one against former mayor Luzviminda Valdez, whom he defeated in the 2004 elections.

Leonardia said "Whatever decision Tan will make is political as far as I am concerned, and I will respect that."

Cano still deciding
on GMA offer
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Transportation Assistant Secretary Ricardo "Cano" Tan yesterday said he is having a difficult time deciding whether to accept a post offered to him by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo or continue with his bid to run for mayor of Bacolod City.

"It is difficult to turn down the request of the president for me to head the Land Transportation Office of the National Capitol Region because I love the president and have a lot of respect for her, and am close to members of the Arroyo family," he said.

On the other hand, it is also difficult to let down my barangay leaders if I do not run for mayor because they have shown their love and loyalty for me, he said, noting that a former Barangay 3 captain had a stroke Sunday on learning of the offer of the president.